Burning Passions

At the Beginning There Was Fire

             I remember Vought taking me in like it was yesterday, I remember the fire, my families screams, and I especially remember the smell. Burning flesh is not a smell easily forgotten, especially when one encounters it on a daily basis. It started off as a normal day, I came home from school and I had dinner with my family. My brother and I shared a room, we couldn't afford a bigger house but we didn't care, we loved each other and that was enough for my family. My dad and I cooked dinner before my mom came home from work, and we even played a round of monopoly before bed, it was perfect...well until my powers kicked in. I had a nightmare you see, and when I woke up I was covered in fire, my body was practically covered, it didn't hurt obviously, but I screamed anyway, and my poor parents came running. I was lucky apparently, blessed with a gift, that gift killed my family, why did it have to be fucking fire. 

I'm snapped out of my train of thought by Stillwell, "Well Elaine, you've been with Vought long enough and we want you to become a member of the 8, officially, no more of that secretive bullshit," 

I slide a little flame between all my fingers as I'm talking to her, "It's not like I have much of a choice now do I Madelyn" 

I smile at her, its not genuine and she knows it, she doesn't care regardless, 

"This is a great opportunity, and Vought is looking forward to having you Elaine, or should I say Apollo," she says, and then goes back to ignoring me. 

I put out the fire and walk out, flipping her off on the way out, and I bump into Homelander. 

"Apollo? What are you doing in the Tower? You know you can't be here" he grabs my arm roughly and practically shoves me into the wall. 

I roll my eyes, "Didn't you hear Homey, I'm part of the 8 now," I smirk. 

He glares at me with anger and chuckles before embracing me into a very tight hug. I smile and hug him back, "Awww whats wrong, did you miss me Homey," I chuckle.

He lets go and rolls his eyes, "Me? I don't miss anyone, I miss throwing you under the bus for my shit." 

 I fake shock and punch him in the arm. He chuckles and fakes pain, and steps back and looks at me up and down. 

"Wow Vought really went all out didn't they," he says. 

I look down at my new hero suit, it looks similar to black armor with some reds, but also latex, its skin tight cause they wanna see my ass but its comfortable. 

"Oh yeah, totally. You can see every crevice in my ass," 

He takes a step back and motions for me to twirl and I oblige. 

"I mean you look great, hot, but thats probably the goal with you," he says. 

Now it's my time to roll my eyes. 

"Well I for one am glad you are here, and you are the second newest member today, we're about to introduce both of you," he explains. 

I groan, "Why does no one tell me anything? Can you hold my phone, there's no pockets in this piece of shit?" He doesn't say anything, just simply reaches his hand out and I give him my phone.  "Like seriously, I'm gonna set whoever made this on fire."

He looks at me as if he's actually considering it

 "Dude I'm kidding, " I chuckle nervously. 

"I mean I could do something if you wanted" he offers. 

"Nah, lets just get this over with," I say. 

I loop my arm with his and allow him to lead the way, we banter a bit  before hearing a very loud crowd. We both give each other a look, before pushing our way through the doors.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, now introducing the newest members of the Eight, Apollo and Starlight!"